Rose works out for NBA’s Wizards

Wendy Haun
Register Sports Writer

RICHMOND May 22, 2009 12:09 am

— Former Eastern Kentucky University standout Mike Rose has been quite busy in recent weeks.
Rose spent this past Monday at a pre-draft workout with the National Basketball Association’s Washington Wizards.
Rose was at the workout along with UT-Martin’s Lester Hudson and two former Big East athletes: Jerel McNeal of Marquette and Scottie Reynolds of Villanova.
“This is what I have been working for ever since I started playing basketball,” Rose said. “I’m glad I was able to get my foot in the door. I wouldn’t say it was the best workout I have ever done, but it was a good first step.”
The workout involved several shooting and ball-handling drills in the presence of Wizards coach Flip Saunders and other staff members.
Rose was complimented on his three-point shooting ability by the Washington coaching staff. He finished the 2008-09 season as the nation’s top three-point shooter, averaging 48.1 percent from beyond the arc. He averaged 3.2 threes per game this season and 20 points per game.
“This is a tremendous reward for Mike to have the opportunity to work out for an NBA team,” EKU coach Jeff Neubauer said. “It’s rare for any collegiate player to get one workout with NBA scouts. He earned this opportunity with his consistency and his ability to improve throughout his career.”
Rose hopes to work out with one or two more teams before the NBA Draft, which is scheduled for June 25. If he is not drafted, he hopes to be able to play overseas.